Trump thanks PM Imran for facilitating Western hostages’ release in Afghanistan – World

Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump during which bilateral and regional issues were discussed, said a statement issued by the prime minister's office.

During the phone call, Prime Minister Imran described the release of two western hostages by the Taliban in Afghanistan as a "positive development," and said Pakistan was happy that the duo was safe and free.

Prime Minister Imran reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to advancing the Afghan peace and reconciliation process aimed at achieving a stable Afghanistan. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to promote this shared goal, according to the press release.

The Taliban insurgents had released two hostages, Kevin King of the United States and Timothy Weeks of Australia, on Tuesday in a prisoner exchange agreement with the Afghan government.

The American and the Australian exchanged with three Taliban leaders, including the key militant figure Anas Haqqani.

The prime minister during the conversation also informed President Trump of the prevailing situation in Kashmir occupied by India, where he said that more than eight million people remain under siege for 100 days after New Delhi revoked the region's special autonomy. .

The prime minister appreciated President Trump's continued commitment and his offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute. "Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed that the president must continue his efforts to [the] facilitation of a peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, "the statement said.

Recalling their meetings in Washington and New York earlier this year, Trump and Imran agreed to "deepen bilateral collaboration, even in relevant multilateral forums."

The two leaders also agreed to stay in touch, the press release added.